Launch report · Sony
Xperia Z: The 2013 phone that launched Sony’s waterproof glass-slab era.
SpecEagle Editorial·Feb 2013·$650·Score 30/100
The Xperia Z introduced waterproofing and the OmniBalance design Sony used for years. A weak LCD aside, it was a notable 2013 flagship — now history.
Key specs at launch
Display
5.0" FHD LCD
Chipset
Snapdragon S4 Pro
Memory
2 GB · 16 GB
Main cam
13.1 MP · f/2.4
Battery
2,330 mAh
Weight
146 g
What stands out
- Launched Sony’s OmniBalance glass-slab design language.
- IP57 water and dust resistance — early for a flagship.
- Sharp FHD display for 2013.
- microSD support.
What to watch
- TFT LCD had poor viewing angles.
- Small 2,330 mAh battery.
- Software ended at Android 5.1.
- Discontinued — a vintage device.
The phone it has to beat
Nexus 5 (LG)
$349 · score 84/100